Blogroll

When I was growing up, I didn’t realize I had dyslexia. I just knew I wasn’t keeping up with other kids. I’d struggle with reading and math, but didn’t think much of it until my mom told me I’d be switching schools to get extra help. 

At the time, I was just a kindergartener, confused about why I had to leave my friends behind and go to a place called the Julie Billiard School in Lyndhurst, Ohio.

At Julie Billiard, I began to realize that my brain simply processed things differently. I could learn, but it took me longer to master things than everyone around me. What took my classmates two weeks might take me six. I remember my pulse increasing and my muscles growing tense, frustration storming throughout my body. 

But over time, I recognized a pattern emerging; I was slower to start, but once I grasped something, I would soar past others. I could also keep learning long after my peers had moved on, and my understanding of a topic would often go much deeper. This realization was a game-changer. 

Rather than viewing dyslexia as a limitation, I started to see it as an advantage. Dyslexia taught me patience and discipline. I learned not to compare myself to others because I realized my learning curve was simply different.

This approach has been critical in my career as the founder and CEO of LANDE, a digital marketing agency. In the tech world, where systems, coding, and problem-solving are prerequisites, the ability to break things down and understand the process separate the swimmers from the sinkers.

Coding, for instance, requires giving a computer precise instructions — an "ingredient list," if you will. You have to think about every step.

Take something simple, like making toast. Most people would say, "Grab the bread, put it in the toaster, and hit the button." But for me, my brain immediately goes into process mode. I think about opening the cupboard with my right hand, grabbing the bread, and if there’s no bread, I’ll plan a trip to the store. And that involves grabbing my keys with my right hand, opening the door, going into the garage, walking toward the car, and well … you get the idea. 

Dyslexia has also made me a better teacher. I’ve had to learn everything so thoroughly that when I explain it to others, I can break it down into easily digestible pieces. 

Whether it’s coding, paid advertising, or even accounting, I know how to guide someone through the process because I’ve had to master each step myself. This skill has been crucial in scaling LANDE, where creating systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) is crucial for growth.

As dyslexics, we can solve problems better because we can see all the steps from start to finish and from finish to start. It helps me with being able to forward think and calculate different scenarios. It’s just how my brain works. And if you have dyslexia or know someone who does, it’s an important aspect to understand. Because, after all, many people with my condition are underestimated.

But you have to ignore the naysayers. I remember my high school guidance counselor looking at my grades and suggesting I avoid a career in tech. If I had taken her advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

My advice to anyone with dyslexia is simple: Be patient with yourself. Learning might take longer, but when it clicks, it clicks. And once you understand something, your ability to build on that knowledge can outpace those around you. 

LANDE CEO Ben Herbert Credit: Courtesy LANDE

Ben Herbert is the founder and CEO of LANDE, a digital marketing agency in Columbus, Ohio. With over a decade of experience, Ben has helped businesses grow through innovative, tech-driven marketing strategies.

He began his career working in customer success and website development, implementing content management systems for school districts nationwide. At FinalForms, he served as technical sales lead and marketing director, overseeing large-scale software implementations and introducing CRM systems to streamline sales operations.

Ben’s technical expertise includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Node.js, C#, ASP.NET, and custom web apps. He excels at integrating software to help businesses scale and improve efficiency.

Beyond his tech career, Ben is passionate about coaching, having contributed to multiple state appearances at Kenston High School and a Big Ten Championship at The Ohio State University.

Keep your precious (and likely expensive) monitors secure with a monitor mount. It's worth the cost!

Kraven the Hunter is an extraordinary creature. From its earliest reports, it was confounding, bringing together celebrated independent filmmaker J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, A Most Violent Year) and a superhero genre that seems to scoff at the grounded dramas that made this filmmaker's name. Then came the red-band trailer, where the eponymous anti-hero swung around his foes like an unleashed animal, biting off one man's nose before spitting it meaningfully at another. Sony Pictures seemed to declare: Here is a R-rated superhero movie that goes hard and brings fresh blood to the genre. But then came the bumps — the release-date bumps. 

Kraven the Hunter was originally scheduled to premiere in January of 2023. Then it was bumped to October 2023. Then it was bumped yet again to August of 2024, and then to December. Finally, the film is coming out, and the delays seem to be explained by the final result — a Frankenstein's monster of a film with seams that are not only showing, they're practically protruding from the screen. And yet, I might just love this hot mess of a movie, because for all its failings, it managed something that's been increasingly difficult as oversaturation drives the superhero story into the ground. Kraven the Hunter is surprising, truly wild, fun, and definitely not for kids. 

SEE ALSO: Kraven the Hunter is the horny antihero of our dirty dreams This is not the Kraven that Spider-Man fans are expecting.  Kraven smash? Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

The screenplay by Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway radically reimagines the supervillain, who is chiefly known as a big game hunter who wears a lion's head as a gaudy vest. In Kraven the Hunter, Sergei "Kraven" Kravinoff is a vigilante who abhors hurting animals and instead tracks and kills men, specifically bad men like poachers and arms dealers. 

The estranged son of a grumbling kingpin (an entertainingly surly Russell Crowe), Sergei lives off the grid in the wilderness, rebelling against his father's villainy by balancing the scales with his own bare hands — and mystical superpowers that allow him to scale skyscrapers, flex superhuman strength, and run on all fours. And yes, that is often as goofy-looking as you'd expect, but also exhilarating for exactly that reason. Kraven may look ridiculous running like a charging gorilla down a city street in pursuit of kidnappers who've snatched his demure brother, Dmitri "Chameleon" Smerdyakov (Fred Hechinger). But after years of noble posing, it's fun to watch a hero cut loose in such a non-regal way.

While rejecting the values of his gangster father, Kraven seeks to save his brother from rival kingpin Aleksei "The Rhino" Sytsevich (Alessandro Nivola, exhilaratingly eating this film alive in every frame). Along the way, he'll find an ally in Calypso (Ariana DeBose), a lawyer whose secrets include mystical magic potions and skills with a crossbow, and an enemy in The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott), a supervillain whose powers appear to be counting while dressed as a douchebag. 

Kraven the Hunter has way more plot than it can handle.  Might they plot a trip to Mars next? Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

Chandor's film aims to be a story of fathers-and-sons and a gangster drama and a superhero movie. And that's a lot to pull off, even with a runtime of two hours and seven minutes. This means Kraven the Hunter is fitfully focused on backstory, spending an egregious amount of screentime on Sergei's traumatic teen years, but explaining the Rhino's unique abilities in a growling monologue. As for The Foreigner, Calypso, or Chameleon, a dense knowledge of Spider-Man comics might come in handy there, as their backstories are alluded to with gestures to other characters too vague for many to grasp. 

The movie only fitfully cares about the why of what's happening, focusing more intensely on the what the fuck of it all. So, if — for instance — you wonder how a man living off the grid, without any apparent income, has access to a private helicopter and pilot willing to traverse a blizzard, you'll be disappointed. But honestly, the glaring plot holes didn't bother me. I relished every outrageous moment that breaks the mold, like the ultra-violent bloody assassinations that Kraven carries out coolly; the unapologetic ogling that Chandor's lens offers of Johnson's sculpted abs, broad shoulders, and taut backside; and the chaotic pleasures of Hechinger switching from sniveling little brother to suave lounge act, as his character's unique ability to mimic voices allows him to sing Harry Styles, Ozzy Osbourne, and Tony Bennett with equal ease and flare. Other elements, however, are outrageous in a bad way. 

The post-production struggles are clear in Kraven the Hunter. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's abs can't cover all cinematic sins. Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

"We'll fix it in post" is an adage in Hollywood that, as a former video editor, always makes me cringe. Some mistakes cannot be papered over with computer graphics or additional dialogue recording, but that doesn't stop Chandor's team from trying. Like in Madame Web, there's an astounding amount of noticeable ADR in this movie, made clear by how often the mouth of the speaker is not on-screen or how the sound doesn't quite match the setting. This suggests that while cuts were being made to the movie, the dialogue needed to be changed to make Kraven the Hunter comprehensible.

Such audio changes might be overlooked by many. But in one scene in Kraven's cozy glass hut, there's a moment where post-production fails so spectacularly that Ariana DeBose's mouth is bizarrely out of position as she speaks, as it it were glued on wrong. It looks like bad AI or maybe a messy composite job done by a human technician. But it's jarring to say the least. Other CGI sloppiness — like when a bounding Kraven looks more rubbery than flesh-and-bone — is less offensive, and maybe even charming when seen with a nostalgic eye that remembers Sony's first Spider-Man trilogy fondly. 

I don't care that Kraven the Hunter is a bad movie.  Bro time. Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

Plotwise, it's barely cohesive. Technically, it's a disaster. But to Chandor's credit, every single actor in this movie commits to the bit. As the loathsomely cruel father, Crowe is low-key hilarious, spitting out the word "weakness" so much that it's infectious. Across the film, so many characters say "weakness" that if this were a drinking game trigger, no one would make it out of the theater alive. 

Taylor-Johnson, who's previously played the speedy but traumatized Quicksilver in the MCU and the wise-ass Kick-Ass in Kick-Ass, is glorious in this incarnation of Kraven, who is both capable of horrendous violence and enviable serenity. The English actor offers an almost breezy openness when the hunter explains his self-imposed mission to Calypso, talking about assassinations as casually as one might their lunch plans. But when opposite Crowe, a wounded sharpness creeps in, giving the family drama at the film's core emotional weight. 

As for Hechinger — who's been crushing it this year, with noteworthy turns in the action-comedy Thelma and two very tonally different critically heralded historical dramas, Nickel Boys and Gladiator II — is a brilliant counterpoint to his on-screen family. Where Crowe is putridly macho and Taylor-Johnson is swaggeringly confident, Hechinger cowers and smiles with a plea for affection that is heartbreaking in its earnestness. When he sings at the piano, you see the moments of rare bliss when he feels valued are also the moments where he's pretending to be someone else. And that too stings. 

DeBose relishes the broad-shouldered power suits of her high-powered lawyer, affecting a walk that feels like her own spin on being king of the jungle. As Calypso, she brings a modern awareness to this tale of men who will do anything but go to therapy, and she does so with sophistication and a bit of cheek. Meanwhile, Abbott paints The Foreigner as a pretentious and vengeful weirdo, who relishes his power to dodge and strike while his victims are stunned (again, by counting I guess?). He's so absolutely smarmy in the role that it's a sicko pleasure to watch him, whether he's slaughtering a prison guard or stealing a bite of steak from a captive's plate. 

Alessandro Nivola is reason enough to see Kraven the Hunter. Look at his little backpack! Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

Arguably one of the best supporting players in the game, Alessandro Nivola is brilliant as the Rhino. Introduced as a sniveling lackey of Crowe's crime boss, Aleksei echoes the dweeby neediness Nivola brought to the bespectacled Pollux Troy, brother of Nic Cage's outrageous terrorist in Face/Off. However, as Kraven grows into his power, the Rhino comes into his own. With that, Nivola injects outbursts that are erratic and electrifying. 

Wearing a slim-fit dress shirt and a small black backpack, Aleksei looks like a tech bro about to go on a brisk hike. But there's something hard and sinister brewing beneath his surface, physically and psychologically. The almost melodic tone in his voice is essentially a disarming disguise, inviting his enemies to underestimate him. But he can't maintain the ruse, so occasionally he explodes with a cry, or a threat that reveals not only his potential for malice and blood, but also the internal insecurity that could swallow him whole. 

Watching the trailers for Kraven the Hunter, I found the imagery often hilarious in its audacity. But I worried Chandor — because of his history with straight-faced drama — wouldn't lean into the absurdity. I misjudged him. By casting Nivola, and encouraging this particular performance, Chandor smartly weaves the kind of lunacy into his superhero movie that recalls the savage spontaneity of Tim Burton's Batman villains. And truly, between Batman and Batman Returns, those were portrayals both iconic and influential. Now, Nivola's Rhino is nowhere near as stylish, sexy, or cool as Burton's goth squad of scoundrels, but he is his own brand of deliciously evil and undeniably enthralling. 

In the end, Kraven the Hunter has much in common with siblings Venom: The Last Dance and Madame Web. It's an anti-hero story overloaded with IP, presumably to secure the interest of longtime Spider-Man fans. But these branding requirements plus the subgenre mashups that could make these Sony superhero movies standout from their MCU and DC competitors ultimately eviscerate any narrative cohesion. Or to put it simply, Kraven the Hunter is doing too much. However, this bonkers superhero movie is at its best when it embraces its most bizarre elements. In those moments, Kraven the Hunter is chaotic fun that's an absolute blast to see on the big screen.

Kraven the Hunter opens only in theaters Dec. 13.

Windows 11's Phone Link works with iPhone and Android phones, but Apple devices are missing a few features. Thankfully, support for sending files from an iPhone to a PC is now rolling out.

The Xbox app for Windows PC has just been updated with a new design and more listed games. It's the start of the Xbox app being used for more than just downloading and installing games from the Microsoft Store and Game Pass.

While Git keeps track of your daily changes, it also features systems like branches that help you organize. If you're not careful, though, you can end up with problems like commits and changes made to the wrong branch that can be difficult to solve without the right commands.

Meta companies — namely giants Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and WhatsApp — all appeared to have had issues and, in some cases, crashed for users on Wednesday.

Reports of problems with the major social and messaging platforms spiked on Down Detector — which, full disclosure, is owned by the same parent company as Mashable — around 1 p.m. EST. User generated reports on Down Detector showed all Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Threads all having a major spike in issues at the same time.

People posted on social media about the apps going down.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

There wasn't an immediate confirmation of issues from Meta and the spike in reports did appear to be subsiding on Down Detector. As of about 1:41 p.m. EST I was able to load the major Meta apps and websites, so perhaps the issues were resolving as quickly as they appeared.

Believe it or not, it's time to look back at the podcasts that made our commutes, chores, and sundry daily tasks more entertaining, if not downright educational, in 2024. With topics ranging from nostalgic TV rewatches to dating hijinks, aging, life hacks, and long-form investigations into gun violence, there's something for everyone in our best-of list.

So peruse our list, and get ready to fill your podcast queue.

Here are the 20 best podcasts of 2024.

20. Life Kit

If you're looking for a primer on how to get things done, everything from the existential (dealing with climate anxiety) to the ordinary (eliminating fruit flies from your kitchen/life), then Life Kit is for you. In each episode, you'll hear from an expert who will answer your questions and help you tackle tasks and situations that you might be loath to ask for help with in real life. Life Kit is here to fortify your confidence when it comes to daily tasks, as well as those things you thought you were the only one who didn't know how to do. 

How to listen: Life Kit is on Apple Podcasts.

19. Chess Piece: The Elián González Story 

In November 1999, 5-year-old Elián González was rescued after he was found floating alone at sea on an inner tube, his mother and the other migrants he was traveling with from Cuba to Miami having died when their boat capsized. What ensued was a much-publicized custody battle between Gonzalez's relatives in Miami and those in Cuba. Chess Piece's host Peniley Ramirez talks to those directly involved in the events of November to March of 1999, when all eyes were on Gonzalez, when the question of whether or not he would return to Cuba was both a volatile political issue and a deeply personal one for Cuban-Americans, reviving questions of exile and identity. 

How to listen: Chess Piece: The Elián González Story is on Apple Podcasts.

18. Finally! A Show 

Here's a podcast that allows us to do the impossible: spy on someone else's life without getting in trouble for it. From creators Jane Marie and Joanna Solotaroff, Finally! A Show features women living extraordinary lives, and taking us along with them. In their own voices, these guests let us in on their stories of change, growth, and endurance. Hear from an abortion provider with the Satanic Temple, a very young chess master, a cat wrangler, and other women who spend their days doing things you might not even have thought were real. Each episode is reflective, intimate, funny, and unwaveringly real, so give yourself the gift of immersion into a new life, usually for far less than an hour. 

How to listen: Finally! A Show is on Apple Podcasts.

17. Flightless Bird 

How would you explain unique U.S. phenomena like Costco, storm chasers, and RVs to someone who doesn't live here? Journalist David Farrier, a New Zealander stuck in the U.S. due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, has some questions about what makes the States tick. What are these cultural phenomenon about? What's changing about them, and how is the country changing as a result? One thing that fascinates Farrier is the chain restaurant phenomenon, so check out the episode about Olive Garden, in which he asks people how they "emotionally" connect with it, summoning feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and familiarity — it may give you the strange yet understandable urge to tattoo a picture of cheese grater onto your body. 

How to listen: Flightless Bird is on Apple Podcasts.

16. Why Won't You Date Me? 

Nicole Byer wants to hear about the gory details of dating, plus all its moving parts and euphemisms. Every week, she talks to a different comedian, friend, and/or ex about ghosting, situationships, getting engaged/married/pregnant, having a life with kids, birth control, and so much more. Check out the episode with Riki Lindhome to hear about "dating scraps," fertility, and falling in love right before becoming a parent. It turns out that, in spite of us all thinking we're alone in our wild journeys "on the streets" of dating, there's probably someone who's been there — at least kind of.

How to listen: Why Won't You Date Me? is on Apple Podcasts.

15. My So-Called Midlife 

Every week, My So-Called Midlife host Reshma Saujani welcomes a guest to wonder along with her about the truth of midlife. What does it mean to "feel your age"? How often do women like Chelsea Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus really think about being middle-aged? Perhaps, Saujani suggests, the mindset that comes with middle age is keeping us trapped — we're so busy worrying about if we're irrelevant, if it's too late to do something that we'll never actually do it, and we need other voices to tell us that we can. Regardless of your age, My So-Called Midlife is an important listen, a funny and sobering reminder to be on your own team, regardless of whether or not you can still rage or take a red-eye like you used to.

How to listen: My So-Called Midlife is available on Apple Podcasts.

14. Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain is a podcast about human behavior — namely, why we do the things we do, even when we can't explain them. Host Shankar Vedantam dives deep into loneliness, trying too hard, feeling empty, balking when it comes to political conversations, and more. Every episode is a clever and comforting opportunity to glimpse the reasoning behind our most common, and complicated, experiences of being humans. 

How to listen: Hidden Brain is available on Spotify.

13. The Secrets We Keep

Is there something you've never told anyone? What would it take for you to reveal that secret? In this five-part series from New England Public Media, host Karen Brown talks to folks about the secrets they have around topics considered taboo, including abortion, money, and sexuality, and how keeping their secrets has impacted their lives, especially for those who come to occupy the political stage. Here's a podcast that can help us feel less alone as we ask ourselves the question: Do we ever have a responsibility to tell our secrets?

How to listen: The Secrets We Keep is available on Spotify.

12. How to Know What's Real

What are the things we've come to believe? Why do we believe them, even if and when we know we're constantly confronted with false information every second of the day? Join The Atlantic's Andrea Valdez and Megan Garber as they investigate how our brains process avalanches of disinformation and how we can become more critical. They tackle the idea of "prebunking," how not to perpetuate the spread of bad information, the role of emotion in getting us to click that link, and how your Vanderpump Rules addiction could be impacting your real-life relationships. In a world where we don't always know what to believe, Valdez, Garber, and their expert guests are here to give us the tools to read between the lines. 

How to listen: How to Know What's Real is available on Spotify.

11. Long Shadow: In Guns We Trust

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 134 mass shootings in the first four months of 2024. In the most recent season of Long Shadow, host Garrett Graff contemplates how we got here. Starting with the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School, Graff traces the origins of the Second Amendment and the rise of the NRA and its response to widespread gun violence, as well as the impact on a generation of kids who were raised with lockdown drills. This season will surprise you, as it answers questions you didn't know you had about guns in the U.S. and why, when it comes to keeping each other safe, we can't seem to get out of our own way. 

How to listen: Long Shadow: In Guns We Trust is available on Spotify.

10. Playing Anne Frank 

In 1955, 10 years after the end of World War II and the Holocaust, the stage version of The Diary of Anne Frank premiered on Broadway. In seven episodes, the Forward's executive editor Adam Langer traces the movement of Frank's diary from the family's hiding place in Amsterdam to a piece of art that forced producers, directors, actors, and audiences alike into confrontation with the not-so-recent past, as well as questions of what it means to dramatize the life of a person who, in many ways, came to represent the murders of six million. Playing Anne Frank uses archival footage to introduce us to the makers and stars of the play, the film, and those who continue to revive it today, encouraging us to ponder how we view ourselves as consumers of art, culture and history.

How to listen: Playing Anne Frank is available on Apple Podcasts.

9. Fire Escape 

Fire Escape is a 10-part series about Amika Mota, a midwife and mom who, in 2008, awoke to find herself handcuffed to a hospital bed after a car accident that killed one man. During her time in the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, Mota eventually qualified to join the Fire Girls, a group of incarcerated women who work as first responders and firefighters in the prison and within 30 miles of it, thanks to a unique mutual-aid agreement with Madera County. The all-female team live together in Firehouse Five, which is still part of the prison but situated just outside the gates, and at the time Mota earned $.53 an hour for her work. In Fire Escape, Mota tells host/creator Anna Sussman how she struggled to navigate the everyday grief and trauma of being incarcerated, separated from her family, her identity suddenly changed from that of a trusted human to someone seen by others for only her crime. Fire Escape details how fire-fighting changed her ability to survive, how she came to understand justice, and what happened after she left Firehouse Five for good.

How to listen: Fire Escape is available on Wondery.

8. Radio Rental

Remember, if you can, the sound of a videotape sliding into a VCR (if you don't know what I'm talking about, here you go). If that sound makes you feel nostalgic and ready to watch some movies that will make your blood curdle, do yourself a favor and listen to this horror-comedy podcast. In it, Terry Carnation (Rainn Wilson) is the owner of Radio Rental, an '80s video store that houses a collection of strange, scary, and true stories told from the point of view of the people who experienced them. In each episode, Carnation narrates the goings-on inside the store — sometimes there's a void; sometimes a creepy little girl; almost always his very vocal cat, Malachi — setting the scene for tales of the macabre. So grab your fanny pack, get comfortable in your beanbag chair, and don't forget to rewind. 

How to listen: Radio Rental is available on Spotify.

7. Pretendians 

Why would you pretend to be someone you're not? Not in the "I lied about my height on my Hinge profile" sense, but in the "fabrication of a racial and/or ethnic identity" sense. That's the question Pretendian hosts Robert Jago (Kwantlen First Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe) and Angel Ellis (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) are exploring in this podcast about people who commit Indigenous identity fraud. Who are the people pretending to be Native, and what do they hope to gain? Jago and Ellis investigate and interview those who lead with an identity that's not their own, to the detriment of actual Native people. Pretendians is a vital listen for anyone who wants to understand how far people will go to hijack identity, why, and the implications for those whose lived existences are not up for debate or sale. 

How to listen: Pretendians is available on Apple Podcasts.

6. Hysterical 

In the fall of 2011, a group of teenage girls at the same high school in upstate New York began presenting with uncontrollable neurological symptoms — tics, barks, stutters, even screeches and meows. Was it somehow related to stress, or perhaps the effect of long-buried trauma? Was it an example of a mass psychogenic illness, also known as mass hysteria? Or was it very much none of the above? Get ready for a wild ride through a community facing a scary medical phenomenon that caused divisions as it continued to spread. Along the way, there are celebrity appearances, debates about salad, and reminders of the unrelenting tumult that is being a young girl. 

How to listen: Hysterical is available on Wondery.

5. Three

On July 6, 2012, 16-year-old Skylar Neese disappeared into the woods in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania, across the state line from her home in Star City, West Virginia. In December 2012, Neese's best friend, Rachel Shoaf, confessed that she, along with Neese's other best friend, Sheila Eddy, had stabbed Neese to death that night in July. Created and hosted by journalists Justine Harman and Holly Millea, Three is a 10-episode series about the events that led up to Neese's murder. Harman and Millea interview Skylar's family and close friends, as well as investigators on the case, about the chilling dynamic at the heart of this teen triangle — and how it reached its sinister pinnacle. 

How to listen: Three is available on Spotify.

4. Again With This

A great rewatch podcast enables a listener to engage with their nostalgia, while also making sure they don't take it too seriously. Again With This is hosted by Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting, co-creators of Television Without Pity and Previously.TV; this podcast returns us to the days when our TVs brought us the weekly magic that was Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, and most recently, Dawson's Creek. Ariano and Bunting revisit every episode with an unflinchingly shrewd eye toward the details we either never noticed or pretended we didn't see (i.e., the felonious relationship between young Pacey Witter and his teacher). Prepare to see the blush fall off the rose of your youth, and get ready to laugh boisterously in public. 

How to listen: Again With This is available on Spotify.

3. We Live Here Now

Micki Witthoeft, mother of Ashli Babbitt, the only rioter killed by the Capitol Police on January 6th, moves into the same Washington, D.C. neighborhood as two journalists for The Atlantic, Lauren Ober and Hanna Rosin. Naturally, they decide to knock on Witthoeft's door and find out what she's up to. If it sounds like it should be the premise for a TV tragicomedy, that's because it already sort of is, and it might be again. The six parts of We Live Here Now dropped before Trump's recent re-election, which means it's both harder and even more important to hear. It's an examination of our collective memory, our neighborhoods, our fears and grief, and what we might be capable of as human beings who aspire to listen. 

How to listen: We Live Here Now is available on Apple Podcasts.

2. Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)

Do you remember that time a lot of people on the social media platform then known as Twitter got mad at a woman for her Tweet about how lovely it was to drink coffee in the morning with her husband? No? Good, you're probably better off. But also, consider having Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) host Jamie Loftus tell you all about it, what it actually says about women's ability to exist on the Internet, and people's desperate need to direct their ire at something or someone. In each episode of this podcast, Loftus examines those who became internet sensations, whether they meant to or not. Along with guests like journalist Taylor Lorenz, Loftus tackles the reality of the algorithm, the trap of online discourse, and the "internet rage machine." If you're chronically online, or just want to sound smart when talking to those who are, check this one out. 

How to listen: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) is available on iHeart.

1. The Competition

Each year, 50 extraordinary young women (think researching cancer in your "spare time") from every state in the country spend two weeks in Mobile, Alabama, competing for a $40,000 scholarship and the title of Distinguished Young Woman. This — the desire to win it all combined with the desire to be liked by your peers while constantly being watched by moms and camera crews — is a fascinating premise for an investigative podcast. 

Journalist Shima Oliaee returned to Mobile to be a judge for the Distinguished Young Woman competition 20 years after she herself was the contestant from the state of Nevada. Then Roe v. Wade was overturned, shoving the nation — and these thoughtful, extraordinary teen girls — into political turmoil. There's nothing out there quite The Competition; with plenty of heart-tugging moments and quirks, you'll savor every detail in every riveting episode. 

How to listen: The Competition is available on Apple Podcasts.

Additional reporting by Jenni Miller.

If you’ve run into a file size limitation, it’s possible to split your large files into multiple smaller files. You can then recombine these files to get the actual large file. I’ll show you various ways to do that on your Windows 11 PC.

The latest in a string of announcements from OpenAI is the official release of ChatGPT on Apple Intelligence.

With new ChatGPT integration, iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro users can invoke ChatGPT through Siri, as part of Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools, and with Camera Control which allows ChatGPT to see and understand images.

SEE ALSO: 'LLM Siri' aims to rival ChatGPT — but don’t expect it until iOS 19

The Apple and OpenAI partnership was announced last summer's WWDC which unveiled Apple's suite of AI tools called Apple Intelligence. Through the partnership, iPhone users can connect with ChatGPT as an extension of specific tasks. Apple already kind of stole limelight by announcing the release of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 earlier today, including the much-anticipated support of ChatGPT in the announcement.

But in the livestream, CEO Sam Altman, joined by engineering manager Dave Cummings and product manager Miqdad Jaffer demoed some of the ways to use ChatGPT with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia 15.2. Taking a picture on an iPhone, they showed how iPhone 16's Camera Control uses visual intelligence with ChatGPT to answer questions about an image. Cummings then opened a Mac and demonstrated how to use type to Siri to ask a question about a document. Siri then gave the option to send the query to ChatGPT, which provided a response, including a visual breakdown of the request.

The ChatGPT integration isn't a surprise like some of the other announcements as part of OpenAI's ongoing livestream series, which so far has seen a new ChatGPT Pro plan for $200 a month and its AI video generator Sora. This was expected with the latest Apple software updates, so today's news wasn't so much an unveiling as a confirmation of what we already expected. To be fair, OpenAI did say its 12 days of livestreams would be a mix of "new things, big and small."

That's day five down, seven more to go.

Apple’s latest tvOS 18.2 software brings a new screen saver featuring Snoopy to your living room, but the feature requires a newer Apple TV model.

SAVE $40: As of Dec. 11, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is just $59.99 instead of $99.99 at Amazon. That's 40% in savings and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Whether you need a Bluetooth speaker to blast holiday tunes during your gift-wrapping sessions this season or are looking for an affordable option for someone on your list, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is the best speaker we've tested under $100. And we have good news: it just dropped to the lowest price It's ever been.

As of Dec. 11, the Wonderboom 4 is on sale for just $59.99 at Amazon, down from the usual $99.99. That's 40% in savings and beats its previous low by $10. It also beats its Black Friday price by $20.

SEE ALSO: The Sonos Era 100 is my favorite speaker, and it's on sale at its lowest-ever price after Cyber Monday

This tiny powerhouse fits in the palm of your hand, but can get as loud as a larger speaker without losing much clarity. The fourth-generation speaker has less muddiness than the previous one, especially at higher volumes, as well as an Outdoor Boost Mode and Podcast Mode. Plus, it has a new USB-C port for easy charging. Otherwise, it's pretty much identical to the Wonderboom 3 (which we also loved). Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 4 can survive drops from up to five feet and plunges into water for up to 30 minutes (thanks to an IP67 rating). It also packs a healthy battery life of 14 hours.

The only reason we'd pass on this speaker is if you already own the Wonderboom 3. Otherwise, at 40% off, we can't recommend the Wonderboom 4 enough. It comes in four fun colors and all of them are on sale.

You might be able to get paid (kind of) for using TikTok, which, let's be honest, you might be doing habitually anyway.

Bloomberg reported that TikTok has enacted a few different promotions that gift folks TikTok Shop credits to increase users and time spent on the app. The business outlet reported that TikTokkers can receive $50 in Shop credits for recruiting a first-time user and up to $350 in bonuses for bringing in more new users. TikTok is also reportedly offering credits for checking TikTok every day for a week and for "scrolling through 10 TikTok Shop items five times per week." Users can also get up to an $80 credit for making a TikTok Shop purchase.

Tweet may have been deleted

The move comes at a precarious moment for TikTok. It could be a ploy to add users and engaged time on its app ahead of its potential ban. A Jan. 19 deadline looms for TikTok's parent company ByteDance to find a buyer or face a ban in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: When will TikTok be banned in the U.S.? And what can stop it from happening?

Mashable's Christianna Silva has the full details on the latest updates but a legal fight remains ongoing in the final month or so before the potential ban. Signing up more American users and logging more TikTok Shop sales could be a way to garner public support against a potential ban.

TikTok may be gone in a month in the states but, until then, you might be able to earn some rewards. Bloomberg reported the promotions appeared on users' For You Page, so be on the look out.

SAVE $10: As of Dec. 11, you can snag Astro Bot (PS5) for just $49.99 at Best Buy. That's $10 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot (PS5) $49.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

If you have a PS5, you’re probably already well-acquainted with a little guy named Astro. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you definitely need to check out Astro’s Playroom — a free game that comes pre-installed on every PS5 console.)

Right now, you can get the newest Astro Bot (PS5) game for just $49.99 at Best Buy. That’s $10 off and a great deal for a genuinely fun-to-play PlayStation game. I’ve already beaten the game twice and can, without a doubt, attest to its undeniable cuteness.

SEE ALSO: AstroBot review: The most 'Super Mario Galaxy' game that isn’t actually 'Super Mario Galaxy'

In this edition of Astro’s adventures, the lovable little robot hero is on a mission to save all his Bot friends and the mothership — both of which have been scattered across different planets after an alien takeover. (You’ll also see surprise cameos from some iconic PlayStation characters, including Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.)

The actual challenges within the game are pretty straightforward, but still fun to work through. I found the single-bot islands the toughest to beat. Another cool thing about this game is the hidden secrets and collectibles dispersed throughout each level.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted game to clear your mind, Astro Bot can be completed in a single weekend, but there's definitely enough content to keep you engaged for longer. It also makes for a great stocking stuffer for kids or PlayStation stans who could use a little more whimsy in their lives.

Check out our full review of Astro Bot by Mashable’s Alex Perry.

The holidays just may be the most wonderful time of the year for scammers.

As consumers part with their cash to fill stockings and spread cheer, scammers see countless opportunities for deception, theft, and fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation highlights some of their go-to tactics, including failing to ship merchandise you purchased, asking you to pay for items with a pre-paid gift card, and phishing for your personal information.

SEE ALSO: How one man lost $56,000 when he opened an Amazon store

These scams may not be different from others that run year-round, but they tend to increase during the holidays.

Jaeson Schultz, technical leader for Cisco Talos Security Intelligence & Research, said that any time there's an increase in information volume, it "provides good places for criminals to blend in and hide."

The spike in data means more work for security teams that look for and filter malicious communication, increasing the odds that something may inadvertently slip through.

Consumers may also let their guard down as they hunt for deals. Eager to make convenient purchases for the right price, some may be duped — even on platforms they know and trust, like Ebay and Amazon.

Because scams are so widespread, Schultz recommends using a credit card with fraud coverage when shopping.

Unlike with other types of currency, including cash and debit and pre-paid gift cards, a standard credit card typically offers protection from fraud. Consumers who've been deceived into buying fake goods, for example, can ask for and receive a refund.

While it's impossible to track every type of scam, here are five schemes that should be on your radar:

Deals too good to be true

If you've never seen an iPhone or PlayStation for such a low price, it might not be the real thing. These days, scammers can easily take advantage of the holiday shopping frenzy by posting fake listings on pretty much any platform.

Schultz says scammers can simply open a Shopify or Square account and look like a legitimate business or store, or open their own ecommerce outfit on a platform that hosts third-party sellers, like Amazon, TikTok, or Walmart.

They might sell inauthentic merchandise or repackage returned goods and advertise them as brand new. Scammers can even use artificial intelligence to produce compelling phony reviews.

If the deal you've spotted seems too good to be true, and you're not buying it directly from the manufacturer, Schultz recommends pausing and assessing the situation. It may hurt to pass on a bargain-basement price, but you're likely better off doing exactly that.

Purchases that never arrive

If you mostly shop online, it can be hard to track what has arrived, and what's still missing. Even the most organized shoppers can sometimes just forget that they're expecting a package.

Scammers are counting on the chaos to go undetected as they accept your money for a purchase but then never ship it. The FBI lists this scam as one of the top schemes that holiday shoppers will encounter.

It's a time-consuming task but try to stay on top of your expected shipments. You can note and follow the tracking progress if you receive a tracking number.

If you purchase an item but never receive the tracking number or the package itself, try contacting the seller first. If you get silence or an unsatisfactory response, consider filing a fraud complaint with your credit card company as well as reporting the seller to the Better Business Bureau.

In addition, you can also publish a truthful but negative review online about your experience, and report the company to your state's attorney general.

Gift card scams

Gift-card draining scams are a year-round concern but can escalate during the holidays as shoppers hand the convenient presents out to friends, coworkers, and family.

For this scam, a thief physically tampers with a card sold at a retail shop in order to obtain the barcode and PIN, then puts it back on the shelf. Once the card is loaded with cash, they spend the card before the recipient has a chance to enjoy their gift.

If you buy a gift card, inspect the packaging for signs of tampering. Also consider buying gift cards directly from the brand online rather than purchasing them from a third-party retailer.

A different popular gift card scam involves selling goods online and asking for payment via a pre-paid gift card, according to the FBI. Scammers use this transaction to steal the gift card PIN number, with no intention of ever delivering the item you thought you purchased.

The surefire way to avoid this scam? When shopping online, never pay for your purchase with a pre-paid gift card.

Phishing attempts

Scammers know that you are inundated with physical and digital mail and messages during the holidays, which is why you might see more attempts to steal your valuable data. Known as phishing, these tactics are designed to make you think you've received a legitimate letter, email, or text message from an important person or institution, like a coworker or your bank.

These messages ask you to click on a link or scan a QR code in order to respond to an urgent message or complete a timely form, for example. Particularly during the holidays these messages may have a tracking number purportedly sent by a shipping company.

The number of emails containing a QR code has increased in the last few years, Schultz says. He notes that scammers have realized they're an effective way of sending a link to victims, because they can often bypass messaging security systems.

Though the volume of these messages is low compared to other phishing tactics, people unknowingly scan the QR codes and are redirected to a malicious site that captures their personal data, according to Cisco Talos' research.

Schultz says consumers can lower their risk of being phished by remaining skeptical and wary of unsolicited links and QR codes. If you don't know where the link or code will take you, don't click or scan it. Instead, Schultz recommends navigating directly to your desired site.

Fake charities

The San Francisco bureau of the FBI recently warned consumers about fake charities preying on people who want to make a difference during the holiday season.

It recommended being on the lookout for solicitations via phone, email, crowdfunding platforms, and social media. Additionally, people might be duped by copycats attempting to mimic a legitimate charity in order to steal the funds.

If you want to donate to a worthy cause or nonprofit, consider only doing so via the organization's official website, which matches any profile they may have on a platform like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

In general, if you think you've been the victim of a scam, the FBI recommends reporting it to law enforcement and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

SAVE $10: Spend $50 or more on eligible toys and games at Amazon and automatically save $10.

Eligible toys and games at Amazon Best board game deal Monopoly Wicked Edition Board Game $23.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal Best Nerf deal Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper $41.91 at Amazon (save $3.08) Get Deal Best deal for toddlers Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set $24.97 at Amazon (save $7.52) Get Deal

It's crunch time when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. In order for them to arrive on time and get wrapped, they'll need to be heading your way soon. If you're still shopping for kiddos or anyone who likes board games, Amazon has a nice deal in store.

As of Dec. 11, spend $50 on toys and games at Amazon to save $10. To grab this deal, browse the selection of over 1,000 eligible items, add at least $50 worth to your cart, and the discount will automatically apply during checkout.

Here are some of our favorite picks eligible for the deal at Amazon. The items listed below are already on sale, but they'll be further discounted with the $10 off deal when you spend $50 or more.

Best board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Wicked Edition Board Game $23.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone who's been enamored by the Wicked film is bound to love the Monopoly Wicked Edition board game. This edition uses the classic Monopoly gameplay goals while adding in Wicked touches. You'll be passing by locations from the movie like Shiz University and Emerald City. Plus, the movie-themed tokens include options like Elphaba's Broom, Glinda's Crown, and the Grimmerie.

The game is designed for anyone ages 8 and up, and gameplay typically takes about 30 minutes.

Best Nerf deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nerf Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper $41.91 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $3.08 Get Deal Why we like it

Almost any kid would be thrilled to have a Nerf playset in their bedrooms, but how about one that's pleasing for parents too? Enter the Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper which gamifies tossing dirty clothes into the hamper. Conveniently attaching over a standard size door, the Nerf set doesn't need any tools for installation. The mini basketball hoop and attached hamper means kids can get enjoyment out of tossing dirty clothes into the hamper. Not only does this equal less work for the parents, it's a fun way to encourage kids to keep their room clean.

Come laundry day, the bottom of the hamper unzips, making it easy to take clothes to the washing machine.

Best deal for toddlers Opens in a new window Credit: Melissa & Doug Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set $24.97 at Amazon
$32.49 Save $7.52 Get Deal Why we like it

For the kids who say they want to be a doctor when they grow up, the Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set is perfect. While the set usually sells for $32.49, it's discounted at Amazon to just $24.97, which will get even lower once you spend $50 and save $10.

Known for their quality toys, the Melissa & Doug set includes 25 pieces to role-play doctor, like a stethoscope, otoscope, eye cover, and blood pressure cuff. The whole set can fit into the included medical-themed tote bag for easy clean-up and storage after playtime.

More eligible toys and games at Amazon

• Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars — $7.75 $14.99 (save $7.24)

• Bluey Figure 4-Pack — $14.88 $15.99 (save $1.11)

• Hatchimals Alive Rainbow Splash Egg Carton Toy — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• OXO Tot Stand Up Bath Toy Storage — $22.49 $27.99 (save $5.50)

• Exploding Kittens Party Pack — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Melissa & Doug Let's Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! — $30.09 $42.99 (save $12.90)

• Azul Board Game — $31.97 $39.99 (save $8.02)

• Barbie 31-inch Lenticular Skateboard — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)

• Splendor Board Game — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)

• Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine — $33.90 $39.99 (save $6.09)

• Ticket to Ride Board Game — $43.97 $54.99 (save $11.02)

macOS supports three main types of linking for referencing files and folders within the file system on a Mac: hard links, symbolic links (symlinks), and aliases. Each works differently and serves a different purpose. So, how do you decide which one to use?

Valve is now selling certified refurbished Steam Deck OLED models. The LCDs are already out of stock, but the OLED models are available in the US, UK, Canada, and the EU.

SAVE $80 + FREE $20 GIFT CARD: As of Dec. 11, get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $189.99 at Amazon. Plus, get a free $20 gift card upon purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro with $20 Amazon Gift Card $189.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales came and went without you being able to secure a new pair of headphones, you've still got a chance to do so now. Getting a new pair can significantly improve how you listen to your favorite songs, so it's well worth investing. Amazon has a deal that you can take advantage of with plenty of time to get a new pair of earbuds before the holidays and for a great price.

As of Dec. 11, get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $189.99, down from $269.99. That's $80 off its normal price, plus you get a free $20 Amazon gift card with purchase. This deal is valid through Dec. 22, so you've got plenty of time to take advantage of it.

SEE ALSO: Score the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ at its lowest-ever price after Cyber Monday

These buds are a great option for both iOS and Android users, so don't let the Samsung branding scare you off. They're lightweight and comfortable in-ear with a design similar to AirPods and offer active noise cancellation with Galaxy AI power, so they can automatically adapt to your surroundings. They can also help you converse with others in different languages as they have the Real-Time Interpreter feature powered by said Galaxy AI.

Control your buds with their on-board touch controls and use the adaptive equalizer to customize their sound to your liking. Whether you choose to enjoy your music, calls, or podcasts, you can fine-tune your audio to fit the situation. Even if you're just bopping to your favorite playlist, making the smallest adjustments can make a difference.

If you're looking for an easy gift for an audiophile or just want a quick upgrade for yourself, these buds are worth picking up, especially with an additional $20 credit.

SAVE UP TO 50%: As of Dec. 11, you can score up to 50% off select gaming headsets at Best Buy. Shop Razer, Sony, and more.

Best gaming headset deals as of Dec. 11: Best budget pick Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset $39.99 (save $20 ) Get Deal Best wireless gaming headset deal Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) $91.99 (save $58 ) Get Deal Best earbud-style gaming headset Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) $169.99 (save $30 ) Get Deal

If you have a gamer on your holiday gift list, or you’re looking to upgrade your own gaming setup, Best Buy has some pretty sweet deals on gaming headsets this week.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptop deals up for grabs before the holidays: Shop Alienware, Acer, and more

As of Dec. 11, you can score up to 50% off select gaming headsets from top brands like Razer, Sony, and Logitech. Shop wireless, wired, or earbud-style options depending on your setup and preferences.

Here are our top picks from the sale:

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox, X|S, Xbox One) $39.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox, X|S, Xbox One) is a steal at just $39.99. This headset delivers stereo surround 7.1 sound with 50mm drivers for a richer, more immersive audio experience. The only con for some users could be that it's wired.

At just 240g, it's lightweight and comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. Plus, the built-in HyperClear Cardioid Mic is designed to pick up your voice and filter out background noise.

Best wireless gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) $91.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $58.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you prefer to be untethered while gaming, the Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) is on sale for $91.99, down from $149.99. That’s a $58 discount.

This wireless headset comes in multiple colors, including lilac and bright blue, and features customizable RGB lighting with ~16.8 million color options. (You can also create your own color themes with G Hub software.)

The PRO-G drivers are designed to reduce distortion for clear audio quality. You’ll also get up to 66 feet of range and up to 29 hours of battery per charge.

Best earbud-style gaming headset Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) $169.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) are a compact, on-the-go option for $169.99, down from $199.99.

These Bluetooth-enabled earbuds feature AI-enhanced noise rejection for clear in-game communication via the built-in microphone. They have a decent battery life — you'll get around 10 hours with the case. And, whenever you’re not gaming, you can use them to take calls or listen to music.